Solar thermal roofing system

ABSTRACT

A solar thermal control system includes a membrane configured to receive solar energy, wherein the membrane is configured to form a cavity between the membrane and an outer surface of a structure by coupling to the outer surface, and wherein the solar energy is configured to heat air within the cavity. The control system also includes a thermal collection unit configured to connect to the cavity and receive and direct air from the cavity, and a ducting system coupled to the thermal collection unit and configured to direct air from the thermal collection unit to at least one of the interior of the structure and a vent.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a Continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/118,778, filed Aug. 12, 2016, which is a National Stage ofInternational Application No. PCT/IB2015/051624, filed Mar. 5, 2015,which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/949,482, filed Mar. 7, 2014, all of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

This section is intended to provide a background or context to theinvention recited in the claims. The description herein may includeconcepts that could be pursued, but are not necessarily ones that havebeen previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwiseindicated herein, what is described in this section is not prior art tothe description and claims in this application and is not admitted to beprior art by inclusion in this section.

Solar thermal collection systems collect solar energy from the solarspectrum as heat via a thermal collector. For instance, a solar thermalcollection system may be installed on the roof of a building in order tocollect solar energy used to heat water or the environment within thebuilding. However, the systems may be bolted onto existing roofs and/orwalls with mounting brackets or other hardware. These types of systemsare typically not integrated into the structure of the building and arenot able to efficiently collect and provide solar energy to thebuilding.

SUMMARY

An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a solar thermalcontrol system. The control system includes a membrane configured toreceive solar energy, wherein the membrane is configured to form acavity between the membrane and an outer surface of a structure bycoupling to the outer surface, and wherein the solar energy isconfigured to heat air within the cavity. The membrane may include feet(e.g., integrated or separately installed as a packer) configured tocontact the outer surface to raise the membrane a distance above theouter surface and form the cavity. The distance above the outer surfaceand the size of the cavity may be directly related to a height of thefeet.

The control system also includes a thermal collection unit configured toconnect to the cavity and receive and direct air from the cavity. Thethermal collection unit may include a hood having flanges configured toattach to the outer surface. The flanges are configured to match a pitchof the outer surface. The thermal collection unit may also include aheat exchange module and a fan module. The fan module is configured todrive air through the system. The system also includes a ducting systemcoupled to the thermal collection unit and configured to direct air fromthe thermal collection unit to at least one of the interior of thestructure and a vent. The system may also include a venting ridgeconfigured to receive air from the thermal collection unit and exhaustthe air into the outer atmosphere. The venting ridge may include one ormore extraction points for venting the air.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will become more fully understood from the followingdetailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingfigures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a solar thermal control system,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of a roofing tile for the solar thermal controlsystem, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the roofing tile of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4A is a side view of a series of overlapping roofing tiles,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4B is a front perspective view of overlapping roofing tiles for aflat roof membrane, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a thermal collection unit for the solarthermal control system, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a hood for a thermal collection unit,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the hood in a modified configuration,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a thermal collection unit havingadditional functional modules, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the thermal collection unit of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a ridge clip for a venting ridge of thesolar thermal control system, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a ridge tile for the venting ridge,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the venting ridge, according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration of a solar thermal control system,according to one embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of a solar thermal control systemhaving a flexible ducting system, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a schematic illustration of a solar thermal control systemhaving a reverse air flow, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a schematic illustration of another solar thermal controlsystem having a reverse air flow, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 17 is an illustration of a first roofing tile test environment.

FIG. 18 is an illustration of a second roofing tile test environment.

FIG. 19 is a graphical representation of temperatures on a cloudless daymeasured at both roofing tile test environments, according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 20 is a graphical representation of a correlation betweentemperature before and after a heat exchanger over 5 days, according toone embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a graphical representation of temperature before and after aheat exchanger with ambient air, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a graphical representation of temperature before and after aheat exchanger with a hot water cylinder connected to a heat exchanger,according to one embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a table showing calculated energy and efficiency over aperiod of days, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a graphical representation of roof cavity air temperature fordifferent roof spans, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a graphical representation of air flow through a roof cavity,according to one embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a graphical representation of a simulation to heat a watertank, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a schematic representation of a solar thermal control system,according to one embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a schematic representation of a solar thermal control systemhaving control sensors, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a schematic representation of a solar thermal control systemhaving fan speed control, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 30 is a schematic representation of a solar thermal control systemhaving water circulation, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 31A is a schematic representation of a solar thermal control systemhaving space heating, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 31B is a schematic representation of a closed loop configurationfor a solar thermal control system, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a schematic representation of a solar thermal control systemhaving a hybrid water heating feature, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 33 is a schematic representation of a hybrid solar thermal controlsystem, according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 34A-D are schematic representations of various configurations fora solar thermal control system, according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 35A-B are graphical representations of various performancestatistics associated with different configurations of a solar thermalcontrol system, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 36 is a schematic representation of a solar thermal control systemhaving absorption-based space cooling, according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 37A-D are graphical representations of heating performanceassociated with various configurations of a solar thermal controlsystem, according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 38A-B are graphical representations of performance statisticsassociated with various configurations of a solar thermal control systemduring the water heating process, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 39 is a schematic representation of a solar thermal control system,according to one embodiment.

FIG. 40 is a side view of a thermal collection unit for the solarthermal control system, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 41 is an exploded isometric view of the thermal collection unit ofFIG. 40.

FIG. 42 is an isolated side view of a hood for the thermal collectionunit shown in FIG. 40, according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplaryembodiments in detail, it should be understood that the presentapplication is not limited to the details or methodology set forth inthe description or illustrated in the figures. It should also beunderstood that the terminology is for the purpose of description onlyand should not be regarded as limiting.

Referring generally to the figures, a solar thermal system is shown.Although the solar thermal system is shown as a roof installationthroughout the Figures, the system may be mounted or coupled to anyunderlying support material (e.g., a wall, a roof, etc.) of a buildingor structure in order to collect solar energy at the structure. Thesolar thermal system may include a solar collector consisting of anoutside cladding or external membrane (e.g., one or more roofing tiles)forming a cavity with the underlying support material of the buildingstructure. The system is configured to collect heat from solar energy byextracting air from the cavity. The solar thermal system also includes athermal collection unit (e.g., a thermal box) that may be mountedunderneath the external membrane and connected to the cavity to collectand direct air flow from the cavity. The system may also include ducts(i.e., a ducting system) to direct the flow of air within the solarthermal system. The system described herein offers an additional benefitof providing building efficiency (e.g., energy efficiency) by way ofreducing thermal load into the building or other associated structureduring warm seasons and reducing the escape of thermal energy producedwithin the building or other structure during cold seasons.

Referring to FIG. 1, a solar thermal control system 100 is shown,according to an exemplary embodiment. The system 100 may be configuredto form an outermost (e.g., topmost) surface of a building or otherstructure. The system 100 includes a roofing membrane 102 configured tocover underlying support material 112 (e.g., building paper, plywood,drywall, etc.) of an associated building. The roofing membrane 102 maybe at least partially made from a weatherproofing material in order toprotect the structure from the elements, including the underlyingmaterial 112. The outermost surface of the roofing membrane 102 may bemade from a material configured to absorb sunlight, such as a solarpanel. In an exemplary embodiment, the roofing membrane 102 is made froma plurality of overlapping sections (e.g., tiles, shingles, etc.), asshown in at least FIGS. 2 through 4.

The roofing membrane 102 is configured to form a cavity 108 for air toflow between the membrane 102 and the underlying material 112. In anexemplary embodiment, the air within the cavity 108 is heated by thesunlight (i.e., the solar energy) captured by the roofing membrane 102.The hot air is drawn from the cavity 108 into a thermal collection unitshown as thermal box 104. An exemplary path for the hot air isillustrated by the arrows of FIG. 1. The thermal box 104 is fluidlyconnected to the cavity 108 and configured to receive the hot air fromthe cavity 108. The thermal box 104 and other similar thermal collectionunits are shown more particularly in FIGS. 5 through 9 and described infurther detail below.

From the thermal collection unit 104, the air is either routed into thebuilding (down according to FIG. 1) to be used to heat water or theenvironment within the building or the air is exhausted into the outsideair via a vented ridge 106 of the system 100. Air may also be otherwisevented from the building in this or other embodiments (e.g., via a ductto an exterior wall such as a gable end). The vented ridge 106 isconfigured to cover a portion of the roofing membrane 102 and providesat least one extraction point shown as opening 114 for excess hot air tobe exhausted from the system 100 (e.g., from the thermal box 104). Thesystem 100 may include any number of extraction points (e.g., openings,exhaust areas, etc.) in other embodiments. The number of extractionpoints may depend on the size and/or shape of the roof or the associatedbuilding and/or a particular application of the thermal control system100. In an exemplary embodiment, the number of extraction points isminimized in order to serve a particular function or application of thethermal control system 100. In one embodiment, for instance, the system100 may include a single extraction point located centrally along theridge line of the roof. The vented ridge 106 and its main components areshown more particularly in FIGS. 10 through 12 and described in furtherdetail below.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, roofing tile 200 is shown, according toan exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, two or more roofing tiles200 may be combined (e.g., coupled, stacked, overlapped, etc.) to formthe roofing membrane 102 or another similar outside cladding or coveringfor the system 100, as shown in FIG. 4. Each of the roofing tiles 200includes an underlapping section 202 (e.g., bottom section, undersection, etc.) and an overlapping section 204 (e.g., top section, oversection, etc.). The sections 202 and 204 may be made from similarmaterial. In an exemplary embodiment, the sections 202 and 204 havesimilar dimensions, including a similar area, such that the sections 202and 204 overlap to form the membrane 102.

The underlapping section 202 includes feet 206 configured to rest on theunderlying material 112 (or another outer surface) of the associatedbuilding, raising the remainder of the underlapping section 202 adistance above the underlying material 112. When the feet 206 rest onthe underlying material 112, the cavity 108 is formed between theunderlapping section 202 and the underlying material 112 (i.e., aroundor between the feet 206). The feet 206 may be shaped according to adesired or required cavity 108. For instance, the height of the feet 206may be related to an intended air flow through the cavity 108, with agreater height leading to a greater air flow. The shape and size of thefeet 206 may be optimized for ideal air flow. As an example, feet suchas feet 206 may be placed to disturb laminar flow for maximum thermalharness of the air while traversing toward the collection unit (e.g.,thermal box 104). The feet could be solid or hollow depending on theparticular application and requirements of the feet and/or the system100. The feet 206 may be shaped to minimize aerodynamic drag and enhanceair flow around the feet 206 and through the cavity 108. For example,the feet 206 may have a rounded leading edge and may be approximatelyU-shaped. In an exemplary embodiment, the feet 206 are sized and shapedto provide an approximately twenty (20) millimeter air gap between theroofing tile 200 and the underlying material 112 (e.g., wherein the feet206 and/or the cavity have a height of approximately twentymillimeters). The air gap (e.g., the cavity 108) is intended to allowair to be drawn from either a section (e.g., a roofing tile 200) or thewhole roof (e.g., the membrane 102) to a centrally located thermalcollection unit (e.g., thermal box 104). However, the roof of a buildingstructure may contain a plurality of collection units to optimizethermal energy harvest. For example, in one embodiment solar thermalenergy may be collected from a first roof surface and directed (e.g.,via a system of ducts and dampers) to a second roof surface to melt snowon the second roof surface. In another embodiment, a first roof surfaceor section of roof surfaces may be utilized for water heating and asecond roof surfaces or section of roof surfaces may be utilized forspace heating.

The underlapping section 202 may include any number of feet 206 as issuitable for the particular application of the system 100. For instance,the underlapping section 202 may include less feet 206 if a greater airflow is required through the cavity 108 (i.e., to create more air spacewithin the cavity 108). The underlapping section 202 may also includemore feet 206 if the roofing tiles 200 are made from a particularlyheavy material (i.e., to support the weight of the tiles 200) or are tobe positioned in a relatively high foot-traffic area of the roof (e.g.,to support the weight of any service personnel or other persons on theroof). The feet 206 may be approximately equally spaced across theunderlapping section 202 in order to raise the underlapping section 202an appropriate distance above the underlying material 112 and create thecavity 108.

The underlapping section 202 also includes fixing points 208 locatednear a dividing line 210 between the sections 202 and 204. The fixingpoints 208 may provide attachment points for attaching the roofing tiles200 to a thermal collection unit such as thermal box 104. The fixingpoints 208 may be sized and located on the underlapping section 202relative to one or more features of the associated thermal collectionunit 104, such as to fix the tile 200 to the unit 104. The fixing points208 are discussed in further detail below in reference to the thermalcollection units (see FIGS. 5 through 9).

Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the roofing membrane 102 is shown,according to an exemplary embodiment. The roofing membrane 102 may beconfigured for a slanted or angled roof (FIG. 4A) or a substantiallyflat roof (FIG. 4B). In the embodiment of FIG. 4A, the roofing membrane102 is formed from a plurality of overlapping roofing tiles 200. Anoverlapping section 204 of each of the tiles 200 covers an underlappingsection 202 of an adjacent tile. In one embodiment, the sections 202 and204 of the tiles 200 may be coupled to each other in order to stabilizethe roofing membrane 102. For instance, each of the sections 202 and 204may include corresponding locking assemblies configured to interlockwith each other to couple the tiles 200. Furthermore, the lockingassemblies may be configured to optimize thermal transfer between asuperstrate surface and a substrate surface.

The roofing membrane 102 includes a seal 116 in this embodiment. Theseal 116 is configured to seal the cavity 108 (i.e., space between theroofing membrane 102 and the underlying material 112) in the area of theseal 116. In an exemplary embodiment, the seal 116 is installedunderneath the roofing membrane 102 at the highest point of the roof inorder to aid in the directing and collection of the air within thecavity 108 (e.g., on a slanted roof such as the roof of FIG. 4A). Inother embodiments, the system 100 may include other seals similar toseal 402 in order to seal air within the system 100 (e.g., within thecavity 108), including flashings configured to maintain a seal thatprevents or greatly reduces both air and debris and moistureinfiltration. Additionally, filters could be installed so as to preventdebris and moisture infiltration whilst allowing air to pass through(e.g., underneath a starter course of tiles).

Referring now to FIG. 5, thermal collection unit 104 is shown, accordingto an exemplary embodiment. The thermal collection unit 104 isconfigured to fluidly connect to the cavity 108 in order to collect air(e.g., heated air) directed from the cavity 108. The air may be divertedfrom the thermal collection unit 104 to heat water used within anassociated building or to otherwise provide heat or other energy to thebuilding environment (e.g., raise the ambient temperature within thebuilding). In another embodiment, the thermal collection unit 104removes heat, and consequently humidity (e.g., moisture), from the air.The dehumidified, cooled exhaust air may then be used to cool thehabitable space of the associated building. The removed heat can betransferred to a body of water (e.g., tank, pool, spa, etc.) or otherfluid or medium. The thermal collection unit 104 may be installed fromthe outside of an associated building. The thermal collection unit 104is typically installed prior to attaching or installing the roofingmembrane 102. For instance, an opening may be formed within the roof ofthe building (e.g., through the underlying material 112) that is sizedto fit the thermal collection unit 104. The opening may be formed bycutting a hole in the underlying material 112. The thermal collectionunit 104 may be placed within the opening and covered by the roofingmembrane 102 to seal the opening. Although the thermal collection unit104 is particularly configured to be installed within the illustratedroof and receive air from the cavity 108 formed by the roofing tiles200, the unit 104 may also be used with any similar thermal controlsystem that provides a similar cavity on the underside, includingcorrugated iron and terracotta tiles.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5, the thermal collection unit 104includes a hood 502 having ribs 504 and a base 506 from which the air isducted. The hood 502 may be required to approximately match a pitch(e.g., slope, angle, steepness, etc.) of the roof of the building whenthe thermal collection unit 104 is installed. The hood 502 is configuredto couple with the base 506 to form the thermal collection unit 104. Theribs 504 may be added to the hood 502 after the thermal collection unit104 is installed to the building. The ribs 504 may provide fixing pointsfor the roofing tiles 200. For instance, the fixing points 208 of one ofthe tiles 200 may be affixed or otherwise coupled to the ribs 504 inorder to couple the tile 200 to the unit 104, which may stabilize thetile 200 and/or the unit 104. In one embodiment, the seal 116 isconfigured to couple to one of the ribs 504 on a first end and couple tothe roofing membrane 102 on a second end in order to form anapproximately airtight seal between the membrane 102 and the thermalcollection unit 104. In another embodiment, a flexible, accordion-likematerial may be used to adapt to and seal a variety of roof pitches.

The hood 502 also includes openings 508, 510, and 512 positioned betweenthe ribs 504 at a top portion of the thermal collection unit 104. Theopenings 508, 510, and 512 may be configured to receive air from thecavity 108 and/or to divert or exhaust air outside of the buildingthrough an extraction point at the vented ridge 106. In otherembodiments, the hood 502 may include more or less openings and theopenings may be otherwise configured according to the particularapplication of the solar thermal control system 100 and/or the thermalcollection unit 104. For instance, the openings may be sized and locatedaccording to the energy and venting requirements of a particularbuilding. In an exemplary embodiment, the thermal collection unit 104 isconfigured to collect or receive air through the openings 508 and 510and send air to the vented ridge 106 through the opening 512. In anotherembodiment, air is exhausted to lower portions of the roof under themembrane 102 to form a closed system. Such an embodiment may bepreferred in colder climates (e.g., regions further away from theequator, higher altitude environments, etc.). Once received within thehood 502, air may be diverted into the building through the base 506. Atop opening 516 of the base 506 is configured to receive air from thehood 502 and the air may be diverted into the associated buildingthrough a bottom opening 514 of the base 506.

To install the thermal collection unit 104 into a building, a hole maybe cut in the underlying material 112 in the approximate shape of theunit 104 (e.g., according to one or more dimensions of the unit 104).The unit 104 may then be installed at the site of the opening. The unit104 may include one or more features configured to attach or otherwisecouple the unit 104 to the underlying material 112. Referring now toFIGS. 6 and 7, a hood 602 is shown for the thermal collection unit 104.The hood 602 may be similar to hood 502 and may include any features orfunctions described in reference to the hood 502. FIG. 6 shows the hood602 in a pre-modified (e.g., non-flanged) configuration. FIG. 7 showsthe hood 602 in a modified (e.g., flanged) configuration that may beuseful in installing the hood 602 into the building.

As shown in FIG. 6, the hood 602 includes excess material 604 that maybe bent to create flanges 606 (see FIG. 7) for fixing the thermalcollection unit 104 to the roof of a building. The excess material 604includes a series of markings 608 to aid in creating the flanges 606.For instance, each of the markings 608 may correspond to a specificpitch for the roof, such as pitches that may be standard or typical. Asshown in FIG. 7, the excess material 604 may be bent and/or cut to formthe flanges 606. For instance, the excess material 604 may be cut alongback corners 610 of the hood 602 and sides 612 may be bent toapproximate the configuration of FIG. 7. Once the hood 602 has beenmodified for the roof pitch, the hood 602 may be connected to the base(e.g., base 506) and the complete thermal collection unit 104 isinserted into the roof (e.g., through the hole in the underlyingmaterial 112). The flanges 606 may then be attached to the roof of theassociated building (e.g., to contact the underlying material 112) inorder to hold or fix the thermal collection unit 104 in place. The ribs504 may then be installed and the unit 104 may be covered by the roofingmembrane 102. Alternatively, a flexible material (e.g., accordion style)may be used to automatically adjust to roof pitch while maintaining aproper seal.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, another thermal collection unit 800 isshown, according to one embodiment. The unit 800 is similar to the unit104, but has been modified to include additional features and/orfunctionality. In this embodiment, the unit 800 includes a hood 802having ribs 804, which are similar to the hood 502 and ribs 504 of thethermal collection unit 104. The thermal collection unit 800 alsoincludes a heat exchange module 806 which couples to the bottom of thehood 802 in a manner similar to the base 506 of the unit 104. The heatexchange module 806 is configured to receive air from the hood 802. Forclarity, the heat exchange module 806 is a module that transfers thermalenergy or heat from a medium contained in one component or section to amedium contained in another component or section and may includecomponents such as a heat exchanger, an evaporator (e.g., a heat pump),a heat sink, and other components suitable for the particularapplication of the system 100. The flow of energy may be unidirectional,multidirectional, and/or reversible. A fan module 808 is configured tocouple to a bottom portion of the heat exchange module 806. The fanmodule 808 may include a fan configured to drive the airflow receivedfrom the cavity 108 into the building. The fan may also be configured todrive the airflow in the opposite direction, such as back through thehood 802 and through an extraction point of the vented ridge 106. Theunit 800 also includes a ducting module 810 configured to couple to aback portion of the hood 802, the exchange module 806, and the fanmodule 808. The ducting module 810 is configured to sit beneath thevented ridge 106 and direct or allow excess air to be exhausted orvented through one or more extraction points of the vented ridge 106.

Referring now to FIGS. 10 through 12, the vented ridge 106 is shown,according to an exemplary embodiment. The ridge 106 may be coupled tothe roofing membrane 102 and is configured to seal (e.g., weather seal)the solar thermal control system 100. The ridge 106 is also configuredto exhaust, or vent, air received from the ceiling space of the buildingand accommodate any exhaust received from a thermal collection unit. Theridge 106 includes a ridge clip 1000 which may be fixed to the top ofthe ridge 106 and is configured to receive a ridge tile 1100. The ventedridge 106 may also include a filter which is configured to filter airexhausted from the system 100 into the outside atmosphere. The filtermay fit within a slot 1002 of the ridge clip 1000.

Referring now to FIGS. 13-15, solar thermal control systems are shown,according to other embodiments. System 1300 of FIG. 13 includes athermal collection unit 1302 in an alternate configuration. In thisconfiguration, the thermal collection unit 1302 is coupled to a ceilingportion 1304 of the building. The air is directed sideways from a cavity1306 beneath the roof membrane rather than down into the building. Theair is then directed into the building or toward a vented ridge 1308 tobe exhausted into the outer atmosphere. System 1400 of FIG. 14 includesa thermal collection unit shown as flexible ducting system 1402. Theflexible ducting system 1402 includes a first duct 1404 configured toroute air from a cavity 1412 beneath the roof into a routing unit 1406.From the routing unit 1406, air is either routed to duct 1408 to be usedto heat the building environment or into duct 1410 to be exhausted intothe outside atmosphere. System 1500 of FIG. 15 has a reversed directionof air flow. For instance, in locations in which there is snowfall,heated air may be routed from the building, up through a thermalcollection unit 1502 and to a cavity 1504 underneath a roofing membrane1506 in order to assist in melting snow and/or ice on the roof of thebuilding.

Referring now to FIG. 16, a closed loop configuration system 1600 for asnow/ice melt system is shown, according to one embodiment. The system1600 may be similar to any of the thermal exchange systems describedherein. In this embodiment (i.e., system 1600), heat exchange module1602 (i.e., thermal collection unit) may operate or function “inreverse” in order to transfer heat from a heat-generating or heatstorage element (e.g., a hot water tank) to the air passing through theclosed loop. In one embodiment, an associated water pump is reversed tocirculate the hottest liquid through the heat exchange module 1602 toheat the air in order to melt snow/ice. The heated air is exhausted fromthe heat exchange module 1602 into a space between the roof deck and aroof membrane (e.g., cavity 1504) in order to melt snow/ice on the roof.The hottest air is exhausted at the lowest points (e.g., eaves, valleys,etc.) and drawn up or across the roof via a fan of the thermalcollection unit (e.g., module 1602). The air may then be reheated on itsway back through the system 1600.

Referring now to FIGS. 17 and 18, example roofing environments areshown. Described below are the results of measurements that wereperformed on each of the roofing environments, shown separately in FIGS.17 and 18, respectively. FIG. 17 shows a rooftop 1700 having a fivemeters squared column of 900 mm roofing tiles 1702. The roofing tiles1702 may be similar to tiles 200. Shown in FIG. 18 is a 4 meter×3.5meter single sided roof 1800. FIGS. 17 and 18 also indicate theplacement of various (numbered) temperature sensors 1704 under and ontop of the roofs 1700 and 1800. In the instances of FIGS. 17 and 18, thetemperature was measured both before air enters the heat exchanger ofthe thermal box (e.g. unit 104), such as at an air inlet, and after theair exits the heat exchanger (e.g., at an air outlet).

Referring now to FIG. 19, graph 1900 shows the correlation between (A)the temperature on the surface of the roofing tiles 1702 at the apex ofthe roof 1700 (roof tiles of FIG. 17) and (B) the air temperature at theintake section of the thermal box (rooftop 1800 of FIG. 18). The resultsdepicted in graph 1900 were obtained on a clear summer day in Auckland,NZ, with an ambient temperature of 26 degrees Celsius and using a flowrate of approximately 100 cubic meters per hour.

Referring now to FIG. 20, graph 2000 shows a correlation between thetemperature before the heat exchanger (e.g., at an air inlet) and afterthe heat exchanger (e.g., at an air outlet) with the ambient airtemperature for five days in winter in Auckland, NZ. These results wereobtained using a flow rate of approximately 252 cubic meters per hour.

Referring now to FIGS. 21 and 22, graph 2100 and 2200 show a correlationfor a single day between (A) the temperature before and after the heatexchanger with the ambient air (shown at graph 2100) and (B) thetemperature before and after the heat exchanger with a 45 liter hotwater cylinder connected to the heat exchanger (shown at graph 2200).These results were obtained using a flow rate of approximately 252 cubicmeters per hour. According to the conditions associated with graph 2100,a fan turns on when the air temperature is above 20° C.

Referring now to FIG. 23, table 2300 shows the calculated energy andefficiency collected for consecutive winter days in Auckland, NZ. Theroofing tile includes a solar cell 201 into the laminatedtiles/structure, and the correlation between the operating temperatureand cell efficiency is well established. In order to determine thecooling effect of the top surface of the roofing tile (e.g., tile 200)by the air flow within the cavity, a series of experiments were carriedout which showed that a drop in temperature of 6 degrees Celsius wasachieved at a flow rate of approximately 1.4 meters per second whencompared to the static system. In parallel to the real timemeasurements, a series of simulations were performed. An object orientedsimulation tool was used to estimate the effect of roof length on thetemperature gradient of the air.

Referring now to FIG. 24, graph 2400 shows the results of a simulationused to estimate the effect of roof length on the temperature gradientof the air. The results predict the shape of the temperature gradientwithin the roof cavity for a given day. The simulation was conductedwith different roof cavity air temperatures for different roof spans,with an air velocity of approximately 1 meter per second. The resultsindicate that at the given flow rate (1 meter per second) the longer theroof the greater the heating along its path through the cavity. Thisrelationship, however, will reach an optimal point beyond which furtherheat gains become minimal (e.g., approach an asymptote limiting the heattransfer rate), and at which point an increased flow rate must be used.

Referring now to FIG. 25, a fluid dynamics simulation tool was used tosimulate the air flow through the roof cavity. A simplified model 2500of the tile feet was constructed in the software, and an approximately 4meter×2 meter chamber was created with the tiles on the top. Theexperimental conditions included a pressure of zero (0) Pascal for theinlet air and an air speed of two (2) meters per second for a singleoutlet at the top center of the chamber, in an attempt to simulate theset up in a solar thermal collector of the present disclosure. Theresults showed that there is a bell shaped temperature profile createdby the air flow, and at the boundary close to the outlet the speed ishigher than at the top edges. When the vertical distance from the outletis increased, the air flow is balanced. The balance is acceptable at two(2) meters from the top. The results were compared with an experimentalroof of dimensions 4 meters×4 meters, which showed a similar profile.

Referring now to FIG. 26, simulation software was used to estimate howlong it would take to heat a 200 liter tank of water from 15 to 45degrees Celsius using an 8 meter×4 meter (equivalent to 500 cubic metersper hour) roof and a flow rate of 1 meter per second. The results areshown in graph 2600 of FIG. 26 for air temperatures of 50 degreesCelsius and 60 degrees Celsius, and indicate that to achieve 45 degreesCelsius will take 4.2 and 2.4 hours respectively.

Referring now to FIGS. 27-32, solar thermal control systems havingvarious features and components are shown, according to variousembodiments. Referring particularly to FIG. 27, a solar thermal controlsystem 2700 (i.e., thermal control system) is shown, according to oneembodiment. The solar thermal control system 2700 may include or becoupled to fan speed control components (e.g., fan speed control 2712,thermal collection unit 2728), water circulation components, including awater tank 2702 and a water pump 2704, space heating components (e.g.,supply plenum 2714), traditional heating components (e.g., a waterheater 2706), and traditional HVAC components (e.g., HVAC system 2708).The thermal collection unit 2728 may be similar to other thermalcollection units, including units 104 and 800. The fan speed control2712 may be used to control the speed by which air circulates throughthe control system 2700, including the thermal collection unit 2728.

The control system 2700 may also include several (overarching)functional features. For instance, the control system 2700 may includefeatures that may be utilized for water heating, space heating,underfloor heating, pool and spa heating, and for other heatingapplications. The control system 2700 may also incorporatethermal-driven air conditioning features, which may be coupled to one ormore pool and spa heating features or utilize various absorptiontechnologies. The control system 2700 may also incorporate features forsnow and ice dam removal from active roof areas. The control system 2700may also incorporate features for directionally-dependent roof slopethermal optimization.

The control system 2700 may also include passive features, such as avented roof 2710 to reduce thermal load during summer (i.e., warmer)months and features for reduction of thermal loss during the winter(i.e., colder) months. In one embodiment, the control system 2700includes more than one operational mode, including a winter mode and asummer mode. The winter mode may include space heating, water heating,snow melting, and Legionella (i.e., bacteria) control. The summer modemay include roof cooling, water heating, air conditioning, pool and spaheating, and Legionella (i.e., bacteria) control.

Referring now to FIG. 28, the solar thermal control system 2700 includesvarious control sensors, including an air temperature sensor 2716 (shownat A in FIG. 28) at or near the thermal collection unit 2728 andutilized by the fan speed control 2712, an exhaust air temperaturesensor 2718 (shown at B in FIG. 28) at or near the supply plenum 2714, aroom temperature sensor 2720 (shown at C in FIG. 28) at or near the HVACsystem 2708, a bottom water tank temperature sensor 2722 (shown at D inFIG. 28) at or near the water tank 2702, a top water tank temperaturesensor 2724 (shown at E in FIG. 28) at or near the water tank 2702, anda water flow sensor 2726 (shown at F in FIG. 28) at or near the waterpump 2704. In other embodiments, the control system 2700 may alsoinclude additional control sensors, such as a solar global radiationsensor, an ambient temperature sensor, an external surface temperaturesensor, a wind speed and/or direction sensor, and a rain sensor, amongother sensors.

Referring now to FIG. 29, the solar thermal control system 2700 is shownto include the fan speed control 2712 and the air temperature sensor2716. The fan speed control 2712 (e.g., for the fan module 808 or theheat exchange module 806) may have a 0-10 volt (V) control signal. Thefan speed control 2712 may be used to maintain a constant air flow andmaximize the heat transfer through the control system 2700. The fanspeed control 2712 may also be used to avoid overheating within thecontrol system 2700. For instance, a first option for utilizing the fanspeed control 2712 may be to maintain a constant air flow within thecontrol system 2700. This first option may include turning on a fan ofthe control system 2700 (e.g., the fan module 808, the heat exchangemodule 806, etc.) to a pre-set speed when a minimum air temperature(e.g., 25° C.) is reached. The air temperature may be determined at ornear the thermal collection unit 2728 based on signals received from theair temperature sensor 2716. A second option may include controlling thefan speed. The second option may include turning on the fan to a pre-setspeed when the minimum air temperature is reached and controlling thespeed of the fan when high temperatures to keep (below or at) a maximumtemperature (e.g., 65° C.). A proportional-integral-derivative (PID)controller may be configured for the purposes of performing any of thefunctions within the first and second options.

Referring now to FIG. 30, the solar thermal control system 2700 is shownto include various components related to the water circulation functionof the control system 2700. At least the air temperature sensor 2716,the bottom water tank (cold) temperature sensor 2722, the top water tank(hot) temperature sensor 2724, the water flow sensor 2726, and agrid-tied (gas or electric) heating element 2730 may be utilized toperform the water circulation function. The control system 2700 may alsoinclude a water pump controller configured to activate the circulationwater pump 2704 when an adequate temperature is reached in the air. Thewater pump controller may include a control signal having an on-offelectromagnetic relay and a max switching current of 1 amp (A). In oneembodiment, a water pump controller turns on the water pump 2704 tocirculate the water when a minimum temperature difference is reachedbetween the air (i.e., according to the air temperature sensor 2716) andthe water in the tank 2702 (i.e., according to one or more of thetemperature sensors 2722 and 2724). For instance, the water pump 2704may be activated when an 8° C. temperature difference is reached, andthen deactivated when a 4° C. temperature difference is reached.

Referring now to FIG. 31A, the solar thermal control system 2700 isshown to include various components related to the space heatingfunction of the control system 2700. At least the exhaust airtemperature sensor 2718, the room (or building) temperature sensor 2720,and the supply plenum 2714 may be utilized to perform the space heatingfunction. As part of the space heating control requirement, the controlsystem 2700 may vent exhaust air out of a (venting) ridge 2732 formed inthe roof 2710. The ridge 2732 may be similar to the vented ridge 106.

FIG. 31B shows another solar thermal control system 3100 that may beutilized to perform the space heating function described above. Thesolar thermal control system 3100 may be similar to the control system2700 and include similar components. However, unlike the control system2700, the control system 3100 has a closed loop configuration. Ratherthan vent the exhaust air to a ridge such as ridge 2732, the controlsystem 3100 may recycle exhaust air to eaves of the associated building.Installations in higher elevations or further away from the equator, forinstance, can benefit from a closed loop configuration to obtainincreased temperatures, particularly in the colder seasons. Furthermore,a closed loop configuration can be outfitted for snow/ice melt.

The control systems 2700 and 3100 may include a thermostat that controlsthe space temperature of the associated building (e.g., the temperaturemeasured by the room temperature sensor 2720). When the exhausting airis above the target temperature, the thermostat (or a controller)activates a damper that allows the exhaust air to be connected to aventilation system. The ventilation system may be configured to vent theexhaust air out of a venting ridge (e.g., ridge 2732) or recycle theexhaust air to the eaves depending on whether the control systemutilizes a closed loop configuration. The thermostat deactivates the airdamper when the target temperature is reached in the building (asmeasured by the room temperature sensor 2720) or the exhaust airtemperature (as measured by the exhaust air temperature sensor 2718) isbelow the temperature in the building (i.e., the space temperature). Forsnow/ice melt, the damper decouples thermal box exhaust from HVACcirculation to go directly to a roof eave manifold. A grid-tied heatingelement (e.g., element 2730) may be utilized to heat the water in thewater tank 2702. The water pump 2704 may then be activated to bring hotwater to a heat exchanger (e.g., the thermal collection unit 2728) towarm the circulating air.

Referring now to FIG. 32, the solar thermal control system 2700 isshown, according to another embodiment. In this embodiment, the controlsystem 2700 includes various components related to a hybrid/traditionalwater heating system or function of the control system 2700. In thisembodiment, the control system 2700 may include a back-up or alternativewater heater, such as an electric heater, a gas boiler, an oil boiler, aheat pump, or the like. The back-up water heater may be triggered toheat water in the water tank 2702 by a control signal having an on-offelectromagnetic relay and a maximum switching current of approximately10 amps (A). For instance, a controller may be coupled to the back-upwater heater as part of a back-up water heating system and configured tocontrol the back-up water heater by communicating a control signal. Theback-up water heater may be triggered (i.e., to heat the water) at apre-set time and may have a pre-set switch-on temperature and/or apre-set switch-off temperature. In one embodiment, for instance, theback-up water heater may be triggered during a certain number of pre-settime periods (e.g., three time periods) within 24 hours. During one ofthese time periods, the back-up water heater (i.e., the back-up waterheating system) may turn on when the temperature of a top part of thewater tank 2702 (i.e., as measured by the top water tank temperaturesensor 2724) drops below a pre-set switch-on temperature. The back-upwater heater is then turned off when the temperature of the top part ofthe water tank 2702 reaches a (pre-set) switch-off temperature. In someembodiments, such as when the temperature sensor 2724 is not present,the temperature of a bottom part of the water tank 2702 (i.e., asmeasured by the bottom water tank temperature sensor 2722) may be usedto determine whether the back-up water heater is turned on or off. Inone embodiment, the traditional water heating system finishes theheating process of the water within the tank 2702.

Referring now to FIG. 33, a hybrid water heating system 3300 is shown,according to one embodiment. The hybrid system 3300 may include anycomponents of the control system 2700, as well as a heat pump waterheater 3302 and a water storage tank 3304. The water heater 3302includes a cold water inlet 3306 and a hot water outlet 3308. The waterheater 3302 may supplement the water heating capabilities of a solarthermal control system (e.g., control system 2700). Warm exhaust air maybe delivered from a thermal collection unit (e.g., unit 2728) to an airinlet of the water heater 3302 to improve the coefficient of performance(COP) of the water heater 3302. The COP may refer to a relationshipbetween an amount of energy being received or utilized at a componentand an amount of energy being provided (i.e., supplied) by thecomponent. Damper to ambient air intake at the thermal collection unitmay optimize the air temperature going from the thermal collection unitto the water heater 3302. The water heater 3302 may then exhaust coldair suitable for air conditioning. The water storage tank 3304 may be astorage tank without auxiliary heating, such as a swimming pool or spa.Warm/cold water from the storage tank 3304 may be delivered to a coldwater inlet 3306 of the water heater 3302. The water heater 3302 thenfinishes the heating process and delivers hot water as required via ahot water outlet 3308. It should be noted that the hybrid system 3300may be decoupled and assigned to specific roof faces. For instance, hotwater may be used to heat a south face of the roof, and air conditioningwith the heat pump and storage tank may be used on a north face of theroof.

The hybrid water heating system 3300, or another hybrid system having asolar thermal control system and a heat pump, may be used to extractheat from air. For instance, an air source water heat pump may be usedas an auxiliary system in water heating and air cooling. Solar radiationvia the thermal roof preheats the water, which may be stored in aprimary potable water tank (e.g., tank 2702). The system 3300 thencirculates the water through the heat pump that is extracting heat fromthermal box exhaust or ambient air in order to (1) reach a desiredtemperature in the primary water tank, (2) dump heat from the air intothe secondary storage tank 3304, and (3) provide cool, dry air to theliving spaces associated with the system 3300. The exhaust air from thethermal box (e.g., the thermal collection unit 2728) is used as a sourcefor the heat pump, increasing the COP of the heat pump. The heat pumpmay finish heating the water. An electric heating coil could be presentin the primary hot water tank in case the heat pump is unable to reachthe necessary or desired temperature.

Referring now to FIGS. 34A-D and FIGS. 35A-B, potential configurationsfor “hybrid” solar thermal control systems are shown and described,according to various embodiments. The first configuration includes aheat exchanger. The second configuration includes a heat pump withambient air. The third configuration includes a heat pump with roof air.The fourth configuration includes a heat exchanger and a heat pump inparallel. The fifth configuration includes a heat exchanger and a heatpump in series. FIGS. 35A-B show performance statistics for the variousconfigurations of hybrid solar thermal control systems shown in FIGS.34A-D. Table 1 of FIG. 35A shows the overall performance of the variousconfigurations, including the thermal energy (kWh), the energy consumed(kWh) and the coefficient of performance (COP) associated with thevarious configurations. Table 2 of FIG. 35B shows the water heatingperformance of the various configurations, including the initial watertemperature (° C.), the final water temperature (° C.), and the time toreach the final water temperature (minutes).

Referring now to FIG. 36, a solar thermal control system 3600 havingabsorption-based space cooling is shown, according to one embodiment.The control system 3600 may be similar to any of the control systemsdescribed herein and may include any of the same components. The controlsystem 3600 is shown to include an absorber 3602 and an evaporator 3604having an air supply 3612 and an air return 3614. The air return 3614may return air to the evaporator 3604 from a living space and the airsupply 3612 may supply air to the living space from the evaporator 3604.The control system 3600 is also shown to include a condenser 3606 havinga coolant supply 3616 and a coolant return 3618. The coolant return 3618may return heated coolant to the condenser 3606 and the coolant supply3616 may supply coolant to another location associated with the system3600 (e.g., a water tank, ambient air, pool or spa, etc.). The controlsystem 3600 also includes a heating element shown as generator 3608 anda water pump 3610. The heating element (i.e., the generator 3608) may betraditional gas or electric. Alternatively, the system 3600 may utilizea heat pump in parallel receiving solar heated air for heat supply toincrease the COP.

Referring now to FIGS. 37A-D, various performance statistics related tocooling for various types of solar thermal control systems are shown.Graph 3700 of FIG. 37A shows the heating performance of a control systemhaving a heat pump with ambient air, including air temperatures at anair outlet and an air source of the heat pump over time. Graph 3702 ofFIG. 37B shows the heating performance of a control system having a heatpump with roof air, again including air temperatures at an air outletand an air source of the heat pump over time. Graph 3704 of FIG. 37Cshows the heating performance of a control system having a heatexchanger and a heat pump. The graph 3704 includes air temperatures atan air outlet and an air source of the heating components over time,both when used in parallel and in series. Graph 3706 of FIG. 37D showsthe heating performance of a control system having a heat exchanger,including air temperatures at an air outlet and an air source of theheat exchanger over time.

Referring now to FIGS. 38A-B, graphs 3800 and 3802 depict variousperformance statistics related to water heating for various types ofsolar thermal control systems. Graph 3800 of FIG. 38A depicts atemperature of water over time using the various water heatingconfigurations, including control systems having a heat pump (HP) and aheat exchanger (HEX) in series, a heat pump and a heat exchanger inparallel, a heat pump with roof air, a heat pump with ambient air, and aheat exchanger only. Graph 3802 of FIG. 38B depicts a total COP (i.e.,system COP) over time for each of the various water heatingconfigurations during the water heating process, which may be based onthe amount of energy being used by the water heating device(s) versusthe amount of energy being produced or supplied by the water heatingdevice(s).

Referring now to FIG. 39, a solar thermal control system 3900 is shown,according to one embodiment. The control system 3900 may be similar tocontrol system 2700 or any other control system or roofing systemdisclosed herein. In this embodiment of the control system 3900, thermalenergy is redirected within the system 3900 to another roof slope 3902(e.g., a roof slope other than the one used to collect the thermalenergy). For instance, the thermal energy may be used to melt snow orice on the second roof slope. A similar system is shown in FIG. 16.

Referring now to FIGS. 40 and 41, a thermal collection unit 400 (i.e.,thermal box, thermal exchange unit) is shown, according to an exemplaryembodiment. The thermal collection unit 400 may be similar to any of thethermal collection units or modules described herein, including units104, 800, 1302, 1502, 1602, and 2728. The thermal collection unit 400may be configured to fluidly connect to a cavity such as cavity 108 inorder to collect heated air directed from the cavity. The unit 400 maydivert the heated air to heat water within an associated building or tootherwise provide heat or other energy to the building environment. Thethermal collection unit 400 may also be configured to remove heat, andthus humidity (e.g., moisture), from the air. The dehumidified, cooledexhaust air may then be used to cool a habitable space of the associatedbuilding. The thermal collection unit 400 may be installed from theoutside of an associated building in a manner similar to unit 104.

The unit 400 includes a hood 428 (i.e., a hood assembly), which mayinclude a first (pivotable) hood section 402 (e.g., portion, segment,piece, part, etc.) and a second hood section 406 (i.e., a hood base). Inthe illustrated embodiment, the first hood section 402 is positionedatop and coupled to the second hood section 406. The hood 428 may berequired to substantially match a pitch (e.g., slope, angle, steepness,etc.) of the roof of an associated building when the thermal collectionunit 400 is installed to the building. The first hood section 402 maythus be configured to pivot relative to the second hood section 406 oranother component of the unit 400 to substantially match the pitch ofthe associated roof without cutting or removing any portions of the unit400. For instance, the first hood section 402 may be pivotally coupledto the second hood section 406 and configured to pivot relative to thesecond hood section 406 to match the pitch of a roof. In one embodiment,a flexible, accordion-like material may be used in at least one of thehood sections 402 and 406 to adapt the hood sections 402 and/or 406 to avariety of roof pitches. An example range of motion 430 for the firsthood section 402 is shown in FIG. 42.

The hood 428 also includes ribs 404. The ribs 404 may be added to thehood 428 after the thermal collection unit 400 is installed to thebuilding. The ribs 404 may provide fixing points for the roofing tiles200. For instance, the fixing points 208 of one of the tiles 200 may beaffixed or otherwise coupled to the ribs 404 in order to couple the tile200 to the unit 400, which may stabilize the tile 200 and/or the unit400. In one embodiment, the seal 116 is configured to couple to one ofthe ribs 404 on a first end and couple to the roofing membrane 102 on asecond end in order to form an approximately airtight seal between themembrane 102 and the thermal collection unit 400. The hood 428 alsoincludes flanges 414 and 422 that may be used to fix (i.e., attach) thethermal collection unit 400 to the roof of a building. The flange 414may be located on the first hood section 402 and the flange 422 may belocated on the second hood section 406.

The hood 428 also includes openings 416, 418, and 420 positioned betweeneach of the ribs 404 and within the first hood section 402. The openings416, 418, and 420 may be configured to receive air from the cavity 108and/or to divert or exhaust air outside of the building through anextraction point at the vented ridge 106. In an exemplary embodiment,the thermal collection unit 400 is configured to collect or receive airthrough the openings 416 and 418 and send air to the vented ridge 106through the opening 420. In another embodiment, air is exhausted tolower portions of the roof under the membrane 102 to form a closedsystem. Once received within the first hood section 402, air may bediverted into the building through the second hood section 406. A topopening 424 of the second hood section 406 is configured to receive airfrom the first hood section 402 and the air may be diverted into theassociated building through a bottom opening 426 of the second hoodsection 406.

The thermal collection unit 400 also includes a base portion 434 coupledto the hood 428. The base portion 434 includes a heat exchange module408 configured to receive air from the hood 428. The base portion 434also includes a fan module 412 which may include a fan configured todrive the airflow received from the cavity 108 into the building. Thefan may also be configured to drive the airflow in the oppositedirection, such as back through the hood 428 and through an extractionpoint of the vented ridge 106. The base portion 434 also includes aducting module 410 configured to sit beneath the vented ridge 106 anddirect or allow excess air to be exhausted or vented through one or moreextraction points of the vented ridge 106.

Referring now to FIG. 42, a range of motion for the hood 428 is shown.As shown, the hood 428 (e.g., the first hood section 402) may include aback portion 432 configured to enable the first hood section 402 topivot (e.g., rotate, extend, stretch, etc.) relative to anothercomponent of the unit 400. For example, the back portion 432 (or anothercomponent of the hood 428) may be made from a flexible accordion-likematerial in order to adjust the pitch of the hood 428. In an exampleembodiment, the first hood section 402 has a range of motion of at leastrange 430 shown in FIG. 42. In some embodiments, the first hood section402 may be have a pivotable range extending from a pitch (i.e., angle)that is substantially flat with the second hood section 406 to a pitchin which the first hood section 402 is substantially vertical andparallel to a front edge of the second hood section 406.

Any of the control systems described herein may include additionalcontrol functions, including anti-legionella for water not treated bychlorine. In order to avoid the bacteria occurring in the water tankwhen the temperature in the top of the tank is lower for a period ofteam, a controller will check the temperature of the water every seven(7) days automatically. If the temperature is never over the targettemperature (e.g., 70° C.) during this period, the backup system istriggered to heat the water to the target temperature, where bacteria iskilled. After that, the function is reset. Other additional controlfunctions may include air conditioning (requires the use of a heat pump)using the same control system as the back-up system, snow melting usinga reversible fan or air recirculation, pool/spa heating using the samecontrol system as the water circulation, thermal energy measuring,electric consumption, and photovoltaic energy measuring.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the solar thermal system of thepresent disclosure advantageously integrates exterior panels of abuilding with an air flow chamber (e.g., a cavity) to use solar heatingof the air to provide or augment a heating source for the building. Thesolar thermal system is shown by way of example to include roof panels(e.g., tiles), but the system may be integrated in other buildingmaterials (e.g., siding, facades, etc.). All such variations areintended to be within the scope of this disclosure.

The construction and arrangement of the solar thermal system, as shownin the various exemplary embodiments, are illustrative only. Althoughonly a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure,many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions,structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values ofparameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Someelements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple partsor elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwisevaried, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions maybe altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logicalalgorithm, or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according toalternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes andomissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions andarrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing fromthe scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: a membrane configured to becoupled to an outer surface of a structure such that a cavity is formedbetween the outer surface and the membrane, the membrane furtherconfigured to receive solar energy and heat air within the cavity, themembrane comprising a plurality of tiles, each of the plurality of tilesconfigured to be at least one of overlapped by another of the pluralityof tiles or arranged to overlap another of the plurality of tiles; athermal collection unit configured to be coupled to the outer surfaceabout a first outer surface opening formed in the outer surface, coveredby the membrane, and connected to the cavity, the thermal collectionunit comprising a hood that is configured to be received within thefirst outer surface opening, the hood defining a hood opening that isconfigured to receive air from the cavity, the hood comprising a ribextending across the hood opening; a seal configured to be coupled toone of the plurality of tiles so as to separate the cavity from anambient environment when the membrane is coupled to the outer surface,the seal coupled to the rib opposite the one of the plurality of tiles;and a ducting system configured to be coupled to the thermal collectionunit and extend through the first outer surface opening into thestructure; wherein an airtight seal is formed between the one of theplurality of tiles and the rib.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein theplurality of tiles comprises a laterally adjacent pair of tiles, each ofthe laterally adjacent tiles configured to facilitate transverse flow ofthe air along the outer surface from underneath one of the laterallyadjacent tiles to underneath the other of the laterally adjacent tiles.3. A system comprising: a membrane configured to be coupled to an outersurface of a structure such that a cavity is formed between the outersurface and the membrane, the membrane further configured to receivesolar energy and heat air within the cavity, the membrane comprising aplurality of tiles, each of the plurality of tiles configured to be atleast one of overlapped by another of the plurality of tiles or arrangedto overlap another of the plurality of tiles; a thermal collection unitconfigured to be coupled to the outer surface about a first outersurface opening formed in the outer surface, covered by the membrane,and connected to the cavity, the thermal collection unit comprising ahood that is configured to be received within the first outer surfaceopening, the hood defining a hood opening that is configured to receiveair from the cavity and comprising a rib extending across the hoodopening; a seal configured to be coupled to one of the plurality oftiles so as to separate the cavity from an ambient environment when themembrane is coupled to the outer surface; and a ducting systemconfigured to be coupled to the thermal collection unit and extendthrough the first outer surface opening into the structure; wherein theone of the plurality of tiles comprises a fixing point that isconfigured to be coupled to the thermal collection unit; wherein thefixing point is configured to be located over the first outer surfaceopening; and wherein the fixing point is coupled to the rib.
 4. Thesystem of claim 3, wherein the plurality of tiles comprises a laterallyadjacent pair of tiles, each of the laterally adjacent tiles configuredto facilitate transverse flow of the air along the outer surface fromunderneath one of the laterally adjacent tiles to underneath the otherof the laterally adjacent tiles.
 5. A system comprising: a membraneconfigured to be coupled to an outer surface of a structure such that acavity is formed between the outer surface and the membrane, themembrane further configured to receive solar energy and heat air withinthe cavity, the membrane comprising a plurality of tiles, each of theplurality of tiles configured to be at least one of overlapped byanother of the plurality of tiles or arranged to overlap another of theplurality of tiles, each of the plurality of tiles comprising aplurality of feet, and one of the plurality of tiles comprising a fixingpoint; a thermal collection unit configured to be coupled to the fixingpoint, received within a first outer surface opening formed in the outersurface, covered by the membrane, and connected to the cavity, thethermal collection unit comprising a hood that is configured to bereceived within the first outer surface opening, the hood defining ahood opening that is configured to receive air from the cavity, the hoodcomprising a rib extending across the hood opening; a ducting systemconfigured to be coupled to the thermal collection unit and extendthrough the first outer surface opening into the structure; and a sealconfigured to be coupled to one of the plurality of tiles so as toseparate the cavity from an ambient environment when the membrane iscoupled to the outer surface, the seal coupled to the rib opposite theone of the plurality of tiles; wherein an airtight seal is formedbetween the one of the plurality of tiles and the rib.
 6. The system ofclaim 5, wherein the plurality of tiles comprises a laterally adjacentpair of tiles, each of the laterally adjacent tiles configured tofacilitate transverse flow of the air along the outer surface fromunderneath one of the laterally adjacent tiles to underneath the otherof the laterally adjacent tiles.
 7. A solar thermal control system,comprising: a membrane configured to receive solar energy, wherein themembrane comprises a plurality of overlapping tiles and is configured toform a cavity between the membrane and an outer surface of a structureby coupling to the outer surface, and wherein the solar energy isconfigured to heat air within the cavity; a thermal collection unitconfigured to connect to the cavity and receive and direct air from thecavity; a seal configured to be installed underneath the membrane inorder to aid in the directing and collection of the air within thecavity; and a ducting system coupled to the thermal collection unit andconfigured to direct air from the thermal collection unit to at leastone of the interior of the structure and a vent; wherein the thermalcollection unit comprises a hood having ribs and a base from which theair is ducted; wherein the hood further comprises openings positionedbetween the ribs at a top portion of the thermal collection unit, theopenings configured to receive air from the cavity and/or to divert orexhaust air outside of the structure; and wherein the ribs stabilize atleast one of the tiles over at least one of the openings.
 8. The solarthermal control system of claim 7, wherein the hood is configured tomatch a pitch of the outer surface when the thermal collection unit isinstalled.
 9. The solar thermal control system of claim 7, wherein a topopening of the base is configured to receive air from the hood and theair is configured to be diverted into the structure through a bottomopening of the base.
 10. The solar thermal control system of claim 7,wherein the seal is configured to be installed underneath the membraneat a highest point of the structure.
 11. The solar thermal controlsystem of claim 7, wherein the thermal collection unit comprises a heatexchange module and a fan module configured to drive air through thesolar thermal control system.
 12. The solar thermal control system ofclaim 7, wherein the ducting system is a closed system configured tocapture solar heat via a surface of the membrane and transfer the solarheat to another medium via a heat exchange module.
 13. The solar thermalcontrol system of claim 7, wherein the ducting system is a closed systemconfigured to receive heat from another medium via a heat exchangemodule and release the heat via a surface of the membrane.